popeurban

I have now done the not drinking thing for a bit and got bored with it. I found out that I actually LIKE to drink alcohol. I like the way it makes me feel and I like the buzz. But as with most things, too much and I feel poisoned and sick. I can now drink occasionally, but this one will be a constant vigilance thing.

Since writing my last entry almost two years ago, I have had two jobs and one revelation. I actually like what I do. I’ve gradually become aware of the “fact” that I, and most others, do what we do (in my own biased and badly flawed opinion) because on some level we like the job, or an aspect of the job at least. I know that there are some people who are trapped in their jobs because of a commitment, contract or because they simply cannot afford to chance their, or their families, financial future on jumping from the security of the frying pan into the flames. But the vast majority of people who didn’t grow up with their life planned out, fall into what they do because they like it. We, as a species, tend to gloss over the bits of life that we did not like or succeed at. However, when we make these choices, we tend to do so when we’re younger and put all of the choices made then into the experimentation category – relationships, drugs, friends, fashion, music, hairstyles, and yes – jobs. The main reason we stay put is fear and ignorance of the amount of choice in front of us. Really – take yourself for a long talk and ask yourself who you are and what it is you want out of life. The two catches are as follows…

1. When you answer the who you are question you need to be able to tell yourself the truth. No sense in telling yourself you are kind and charitable when you don’t even see the beggars on the street.

2. When you answer the what do you want question, you need to look into how much this goal will cost. We all want to be rich and famous, but those few that are, have sacrificed much of themselves to achieve this. The cost of some things will be time, energy, effort – so far so good. Some things may cost friendships, relationships with your partner, parents and children, Still worth it? And other things may cost you your values, your morals, your health and your integrity. As with number 1, you need to be honest about the cost versus the gain. If you’re aware of and with happy with the cost, then great.

Sometimes, doing what you do isn’t so bad.

I’ve been wanting to lose weight for 20 years now. In 88 I had just got out of Army Basic and I rocked! You can eat obscene amounts of rubbish and wash it down with beer and still not put on a pound when you exercise HARD for four to six hours a day. I now weigh 17 stone 7 pounds (about 250 in American). I work an 8 hour day and commute for four more. when I get in All I want to do is sit and have a drink, watch TV and go to sleep. The weekends are taken up with cleaning, shopping, washing clothes and all the other rubbish I don’t get a chance to do. I know this is all excuses, but it’s hard getting out from under the weight of a vicious circle. Any tips?